- A
Enable AWS CloudTrail for the RDS instance.
Why wrong: Wrong. AWS CloudTrail logs API actions on the RDS instance (e.g., CreateDBInstance), not the SQL queries executed within the database.
- B
Install the pgAudit extension and configure it to log all statements.
Correct. The pgAudit extension is the native way to log all SQL statements, including SELECTs, on PostgreSQL. It provides granular auditing.
- C
Configure the DB instance to export logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs.
Correct. While exporting logs to CloudWatch alone does not enable auditing, it is part of an efficient solution when combined with database statement logging configuration (e.g., setting log_statement='all' in the parameter group). This allows centralized log management and analysis.
- D
Enable Enhanced Monitoring for the DB instance.
Why wrong: Wrong. Enhanced Monitoring provides OS-level performance metrics such as CPU and memory usage, not database query logs.
DBS-C01 pgAudit extension Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: pgAudit extension. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A database administrator needs to audit all SQL queries executed on an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL instance, including SELECT statements. Which two most efficient ways to achieve this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Install the pgAudit extension and configure it to log all statements.
Option B is correct because the pgAudit extension for PostgreSQL can be installed on RDS and configured to log all SQL statements, including SELECT queries. Option C is also correct because configuring the DB instance to export logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs, when combined with enabling statement logging via the RDS parameter group (e.g., setting log_statement = 'all'), allows centralized log management and analysis, effectively auditing all queries. Option A is wrong because AWS CloudTrail does not capture SQL query content; it logs API actions on the RDS instance itself. Option D is wrong because Enhanced Monitoring provides OS-level metrics, not SQL query logs. Therefore, both B and C are correct.
Key principle: pgAudit extension
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable AWS CloudTrail for the RDS instance.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong. AWS CloudTrail logs API actions on the RDS instance (e.g., CreateDBInstance), not the SQL queries executed within the database.
- ✓
Install the pgAudit extension and configure it to log all statements.
Why this is correct
Correct. The pgAudit extension is the native way to log all SQL statements, including SELECTs, on PostgreSQL. It provides granular auditing.
Related concept
pgAudit extension
- ✓
Configure the DB instance to export logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs.
Why this is correct
Correct. While exporting logs to CloudWatch alone does not enable auditing, it is part of an efficient solution when combined with database statement logging configuration (e.g., setting log_statement='all' in the parameter group). This allows centralized log management and analysis.
Related concept
pgAudit extension
- ✗
Enable Enhanced Monitoring for the DB instance.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong. Enhanced Monitoring provides OS-level performance metrics such as CPU and memory usage, not database query logs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Some candidates may think CloudTrail logs SQL queries, but it only records API actions. Others may overlook that exporting logs to CloudWatch alone does not capture query content unless statement logging is enabled in the parameter group.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- pgAudit extension
- RDS log export to CloudWatch
- AWS CloudTrail
- Enhanced Monitoring
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
pgAudit extension
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. pgAudit extension Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review pgAudit extension, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — pgAudit extension.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install the pgAudit extension and configure it to log all statements. — Option B is correct because the pgAudit extension for PostgreSQL can be installed on RDS and configured to log all SQL statements, including SELECT queries. Option C is also correct because configuring the DB instance to export logs to Amazon CloudWatch Logs, when combined with enabling statement logging via the RDS parameter group (e.g., setting log_statement = 'all'), allows centralized log management and analysis, effectively auditing all queries. Option A is wrong because AWS CloudTrail does not capture SQL query content; it logs API actions on the RDS instance itself. Option D is wrong because Enhanced Monitoring provides OS-level metrics, not SQL query logs. Therefore, both B and C are correct.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review pgAudit extension, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
pgAudit extension
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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